I want to acknowledge the boldness, heroism and humility exhibited by the US veterans, both men and women, and including Tulsi Gabbard -- a warrior and congresswoman. In solidarity, they joined the Native Americans and many others at Standing Rock. They are truly warriors and leaders.
I was born in Orissa in a Vaishnava family. From childhood, we knew hare krsna-kirtana, Bhagavata, and Radha-Krishna deities. We knew many Vaishnavas, even disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, in Orissa. Now many have passed away, but there are still a few that are very old. I know them. At the time of my leaving home I had everything - family, wife, seven children, property, and a job. I was a government high school teacher earning a thousand rupees per month. But I gave up everything in search of a real spiritual master.